President Roh, “I will Help Public Livelihood by Controlling Inflation and Housing Prices”

President Roh Moo-hyun stated on Sunday that “I’m doing my best to improve our economic condition. Fortunately, the economy is showing signs of improvement. First of all, I will redouble efforts to rein in consumer and housing prices and create more jobs.”

Also, on the same day on a radio show where he was delivering a Lunar New Year holiday message, President Roh vowed, “Even when the economy recovers, the people who work in traditional markets or who run restaurants independently will still face hardships. Starting the New Year, I will take every caution to make sure the livelihoods of these people improve.”

President Roh sent letters to military officers dispatched abroad such as the Zaytun military unit currently stationed in Iraq, the Dongeui-Dasan military unit in Afghanistan, and a medical aid unit in western Sahara under UN command, expressing appreciation for their hard work.

In a letter sent to the Zaytun military unit, Roh wrote, “I hope the Zaytun further contributes to the establishment of peace and security in Iraq and to the improvement of our military integrity. As the military’s supreme commander, I will do my best for you to get the job done successfully.”

Meanwhile, the message of President Roh for the Lunar New Year holiday, to be broadcasted starting Sunday on radio shows, was leaked beforehand on Saturday through the Uri Party’s internet homepage.

Jung-Hun Kim jnghn@donga.com